Innovative Leadership

Dave Shuster, President and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries, returns to discuss how his organization approaches change management and getting community buy-in, the Horizon Market grocery initiative tackling food access in downtown Hagerstown, and the practical, human-centered ways Goodwill is putting AI to work behind the scenes.

Nicole Rappaport joins Ryan and Steph to celebrate 25 years of Innovative by discussing the early days of building the business from home, stepping back over time to make room for the next generation of leadership, and finding her own identity and interests beyond the business.

Chris Brewer, Executive Director of the Washington County Arts Council, joins Ryan and guest co-host Lauren to discuss the winding path that led him to leadership, why creativity and community spaces matter more than ever in a digitally disconnected world, and the arts scene of downtown Hagerstown.

Michael Pallansch, Vice President - Client Relationship Officer at Middletown Valley Bank, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how strong workplace cultures foster accountability and trust, the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how fatherhood has reshaped his approach to work-life balance.

Leshia Chandler, Director of the Division of Family Services for Frederick County Government, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leading with purpose through personal adversity, building resilient and people-centered teams, and strengthening communities through collaboration and service.

Melynda Burdette Wintrol, Managing Director of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss building community through the arts, leading a mission-driven nonprofit, and creating accessible theater experiences for audiences of all ages.

Jaime McKay, Deputy Director and Chief Morale Officer for Transit Services of Frederick County, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leading with authenticity, building a people-first workplace culture, and the power of public transit to remove barriers and strengthen communities.

Stephen Schutte, Marketing Manager at Innovative, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss community-focused relationship-building, earning the right to make a sales pitch, and why follow-through is the foundation of trust and leadership.

Sam Stotler, HR manager at Innovative, and Jake Menard, mortgage banker at CNB Bank, join Ryan and Steph to discuss their Leadership Washington County experiences, personal growth through leadership development, and the connections that strengthen local communities.

Patrick Simoneau, founder of Leading Through, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss leadership through influence instead of authority, building trust and psychological safety with teams, and how AI may shape the future of coaching and performance management.

Casey Clark, founder and CEO of Amplified Change and C3, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss her leadership journey shaped by resilience, how self-awareness and mindset impact business growth, and her mission to build a therapeutic art school supporting children with trauma. Get your tickets to the Seeds of Change Gala: https://amplifiedchange.org/gala/

Innovative CEO Jason Rappaport joins Ryan and Steph to discuss 25 years of Innovative, lessons learned in leadership decision-making, and why embracing the messy, essential human element matters as technology accelerates beyond imagination

Ryan and Steph discuss the launch of Innovative's AI User Group, key lessons from business use cases like AI note takers and process automation, strategies for leading team adoption and data governance, and the evolving tension between AI, creativity, and marketing. Register for the AI User Group here: https://www.innovativeinc.net/events

Jason Cline, Founder of Lockhouse Studios, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss building a creative business in Frederick, evolving from freelance production into studio ownership, and balancing artistry, technical craft, and business strategy to tell compelling brand stories.

Jarad Bowens, Contract Compliance Administrator for The City of Frederick, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss addressing systemic barriers through economic development, building community wealth through SOUL Street and the downtown retail incubator, and navigating emotionally charged issues as a leader.

Rich Daughtridge, CEO of Warehouse Cinemas, joins the show to discuss how his professional soccer career shaped his work ethic and competitiveness, how EOS has transformed his organization, and the unique ways Warehouse Cinemas creates memorable moviegoing experiences.

Ryan and Steph kick off 2026 with Innovative HR Manager Sam Stotler. They discuss their New Year's resolutions (or lack thereof), adjusting to the changes 2025 brought, and building deeper connections with the community through leadership programs.

Lauren Paulet-Miller, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator for The City of Frederick, joins Ryan and Steph to share her unexpected journey from Florida to Frederick, how she leads with her values, and the importance of connecting with and caring for nature.

Ericka Rohrbaugh, Manager of Opportunity & Transformation for the City of Frederick, sits down with Ryan and Steph to discuss removing barriers for others through value-driven work, owning your personal brand and reputation, and some eye-opening moments from her early LFC experiences.

Amanda Portner, lead tour guide/event planner/CEO of Maryland Double Deckers, joins the show to discuss her career transition after 30 years, connecting more with the community through bus tours, and her experiences with Leadership Frederick County so far.

On this special edition of Innovative Leadership, hear the small business panel from Innovative's Cybersecurity Summit, where three leaders discussed how they protect their businesses, how they balance cybersecurity with other top priorities, and their advice for other leaders in the similar positions. Panel: Mike Fried  |  Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Meritus Health Michelle Mumm...

Lloyd Thoburn, owner of Live at Hub City Vinyl, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss turning his passion into his business, how he creates standout experiences for customers, and his belief in the potential of Downtown Hagerstown.

Tara Bockstanz, Director of Graduate Engagement at Leadership Washington County, returns to the show to discuss how LWC changed her life, the unique camaraderie in leadership programs, and encouraging local civic engagement.

Nicole Houser, CEO of Family Healthcare of Hagerstown, joins Ryan and Steph to discuss how her team serves the community through collaboration, the value of client feedback, and understanding where to invest resources.

Tara Sargent, Executive Director of Leadership Washington County, returns to the show to discuss the balancing act between AI and human experience, how economic uncertainty is affecting nonprofits, and community involvement trends among younger people.